4.5
(136)
604
riders
81
rides
Mountain biking around Surfonds features a landscape characterized by extensive forests and woodlands, interspersed with agricultural fields and tranquil ponds. The terrain is generally gentle, with moderate elevation changes, making it suitable for a range of skill levels. Routes often traverse through natural areas, offering a mix of shaded paths and open stretches.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
4.7
(23)
66
riders
46.6km
03:48
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
21
riders
48.8km
03:50
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(3)
27
riders
74.2km
05:31
750m
750m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
20
riders
47.6km
03:37
340m
340m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
28.8km
02:19
270m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Please note that the path is closed by a barrier.
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Too bad the section lacks maintenance, puncture guaranteed
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be sure not to have anyone in front of you
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Founded in 1229 by Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, it constitutes one of the most beautiful Cistercian jewels in France. It was acquired by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. The Royal Abbey of Épau constitutes one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. In 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, decided to found this abbey at the gates of Le Mans, where she was buried a year later. During the Revolution, the abbey, almost deserted by monks since the 18th century, was sold as national property to an industrialist. Then transformed into an agricultural operation, the abbey experienced many vicissitudes before its purchase by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. A vast restoration program, still in progress, is giving it a second wind, making the abbey one of the most important places cultural heritage of Sarthe. The abbey also hosts the sessions of the departmental assembly of which it has been the seat since the 1970s. Since July 1, 2016, its management has been entrusted to the Sarthe Cultural Center whose mission is to offer it a new dimension, in order to strengthen its cultural role in the region. Recently, the research of Father Michel Niaussat, a Cistercian monk writer, has shed light on the royal character of the building. L'Épau Abbey then became Royal Abbey of l'Épau in March 2017. Alongside this cultural and tourist growth, another flagship project which will guide the development of the abbey in the coming years: the transformation of the park into permacultural garden. It must then be remembered that times of prayer and work were equivalent in the Cistercian rule. This agricultural dimension is at the heart of the departmental project, the ultimate objective of which is to restore as faithfully as possible the original principles of the place. The abbey, which has preserved almost all of its buildings, is located at the gates of Le Mans. It is inserted in a 13 ha enclosed park delimited by a surrounding wall.
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VISITS Free individual visits Individual guided tours Average duration of the individual visit: 1:30h Groups welcome from 10 people Free group visits Guided group tours Guided group tours on request Educational group visits Average duration of the group visit: 1:30h Point of interest visible without visit Languages available Spoken: French, English Panels: French, English Audio: English, French ACTIVITIES Specific thematic animation Workshop for adults Children's workshop Conferences Temporary exhibitions Sound and light
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PRICES Individual price adult: €5.50 Individual price reduced: €4.00 Job seeker, student, RSA, person in disability situation, Cezam card, CE Individual price child: €3.00 10-17 years old Free: €0.00 Under 10 years old and accompanying person
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Surfonds offers a diverse network of nearly 100 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and a few more challenging options.
The region's extensive forests and woodlands make spring and autumn particularly pleasant for mountain biking, offering shaded paths and vibrant scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on cooler days, while winter rides are possible but may require more preparation for potentially wet or muddy conditions.
Yes, Surfonds has 27 easy mountain bike trails, many of which are suitable for families. A good option is the Circuit du petit lutin loop from Soulitré, which is 6.3 miles (10.1 km) long and leads through pleasant woodlands, often completed in under an hour.
The terrain around Surfonds is generally gentle, characterized by extensive forests, woodlands, and agricultural fields, interspersed with tranquil ponds. You'll find a mix of shaded paths and open stretches, with moderate elevation changes that are suitable for a range of skill levels.
Many of the mountain bike trails in Surfonds are designed as loops, offering convenient circular routes. For example, the popular L'Épau Abbey – Arche de la Nature loop from Ardenay-sur-Mérize is a moderate 29.0 miles (46.6 km) circular trail exploring natural and historical landscapes.
The mountain bike trails in Surfonds are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Riders often praise the region's dense woodlands, tranquil ponds, and the variety of routes that cater to different ability levels, from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging moderate routes.
While the terrain is generally gentle, there are longer moderate routes that offer a good challenge. The Great trail in the forest – Circuit du petit lutin loop from Le Breil-sur-Mérize is a moderate 30.4 miles (49.0 km) path providing extensive riding through dense forest environments.
Along the trails, you can discover natural and historical points of interest. Notable attractions include the serene Loudon Ponds, and the historic Saint Symphorien Church. Some routes also pass by the Gué de l'Aulne Stele.
While popular routes like the L'Épau Abbey loop can see more riders, the vast network of nearly 100 trails means you can often find quieter paths, especially on weekdays or by exploring some of the less-trafficked routes through the extensive woodlands. The Woodland Pathway loop from Surfonds is a good option for a peaceful ride.
Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many routes, particularly those starting from villages or popular natural areas, will have designated parking spots. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for information on starting points and potential parking facilities.
Many trails in the Surfonds region, especially those through forests and natural areas, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in agricultural areas or near wildlife, and to check local regulations or specific trail signage for any restrictions.
The trails in Surfonds offer a wide range of distances. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Circuit du petit lutin loop from Soulitré at 6.3 miles (10.1 km), up to longer moderate routes such as the Loudon Ponds – Loudon Pond loop from Étang de Loudon, which is 29.7 miles (47.9 km).


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